Marking ten years of Youth, Peace and Security, the British Institute of Global Affairs is proud to announce the conclusion of this series! There are many people to thank for inspiring, contributing to, and supporting this series. Below is a list of the different themes we have covered as well as the contributors: Week 1: …
Image: House of Commons How can the UK use the Youth, Peace and Security agenda as a vehicle to address the violence and insecurity faced by young people in Britain? The celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS in the United Nations this week provides a timely occasion to consider …
Political ideologies, from Marx’s Communist Manifesto to de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, often focus on identity consciousness to initiate conversations and change. Youth, however, is more fickle to deal with. It is a transitory identity because it is a period we pass through and eventually leave. By the end of high school, most of us …
Europe is entering a period marked by geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty and rapidly evolving security threats. Young people across the continent consistently express a desire for peace, stability and a secure future, yet they remain largely absent from the structures where security is debated, shaped and implemented. Their interest is high, but their involvement is …
Read more “Youth Security Europe: A New Voice in an Uncertain Age”
When I first entered the world of Youth Peace and Security, I carried with me the weight of my identity as a young person from a marginalised and historically underrepresented region of Kenya. I also carried the determination to ensure that young people like me were no longer spoken about in global spaces but spoken …
Read more “Postcolonial Youth, Peace and Security: Lessons from Kenya and Europe”
At the British Institute of Global Affairs, we believe it is essential not only to understand the role of governments and international organisations in peacebuilding, but also to recognise the often-underappreciated contributions of NGOs. Much of the world’s peace work is carried out by non-governmental organisations that maintain deep local trust and long-term presence in …
Read more “Youth, Conflict, and Transformation: A Conversation with Johanna-Maria Hülzer”
Image: The Outdoor Education Group Throughout the Youth, Peace and Security agenda, frequent references are made to the importance and value of incorporating youth into political and security structures – particularly regarding peacebuilding attempts. Across reports and research, quotes are shared that support this line of argument. Take the ‘The Missing Peace’ progress study, for …
Nigeria is one of the most populous nations, and one of the most diverse in Africa with about 250 tribes and over 500 languages. Nigeria is also home to various religions, with Christianity and Islam being the most popular, followed closely by traditional African religions. This makes peacebuilding and ethno-religious tolerance very important. Unfortunately, however, …
Read more “Youth Engagement in Peacebuilding: Lessons from a Nigerian Peacebuilder’s Experience”
Zone of Peace – reality, ideal or dreams? Growing up in the Caribbean, one would often hear the phrase “zone of peace” floating somewhere in the background of regional speeches and summits. It sounded soothing, almost like a lullaby meant to calm the region into an arguably false sense of security, the idea that we …
Read more “Cracks in the ‘Zone of Peace’: Youth Dialogue as our Region’s True Security Strategy”
Security vs. Liberty Security is often seen as a duty of governments, but in reality, it sometimes protects power more than people. Challenges such as terrorism, conflicts, refugee movements, or pandemics are frequently framed as extreme threats, and leaders often use them to justify strict measures. As a result, for young people experiencing these policies, …